Niche in the Age of Algorithmic Recommendation: How Niche Music Communities Construct "Resistance Identity"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61173/t3yec922Keywords:
Algorithmic Recommendation, Niche Music, Resistance Identity, Long Tail Effect, Music Recommendation Systems, Information Cocoons/Filter Bubbles, Stratified Culture, Collaborative FilteringAbstract
this study aims to elaborate on the current state of research at the intersection of algorithmic recommendation mechanisms and subcultures. The study finds that existing literature often remains at the level of "technological determinism," viewing algorithms as a unilateral, hegemonic, and irresistible force impacting society. This research identifies three main core gaps: (1) insufficient understanding of the nature of algorithms as a "technology-society" interplay; (2) a lack of in-depth exploration into the current understanding of "resistance"; (3) a deficiency in research on the uniqueness of the interaction between China's platform ecosystem and "Generation Z" youth in the context of music. Based on this, the innovation of this article lies in adopting the perspective of "technology-society" interplay to analyze the underlying mechanisms through which niche music communities construct a resistance identity in the algorithmic age, and to provide new ideas for the future improvement of algorithmic mechanisms.
References
preference; rather, it is a strategic game centered around [1] Yu, J. (2024). Research on recommendation system methods “who holds the dominance over taste.” based on collaborative filtering [Master’s thesis, Dalian Jiaotong University] 5.2 The Significant Importance of Subcultures [2] Seaver, N. (2011) Computing Taste: The Making of and Niche Music Groups Algorithmic Music Recommendation. Media, Culture, and The development of subcultures can create a long-tail Society, 37(7)
effect, where the combined market share of products with [3] Wan, S. (2021). A cultural study of subculture the meaning of relatively low demand and sales (e.g., niche artist albums, style. Journal of YuZhang Normal University, (1), 39-42
merchandise) can rival the market share of some popular [4] Sun, L., & He, J. (2022). From “data taming” to “reverse products. Therefore, subcultural music can drive econom- taming”: A study on the two-way interaction between users and ic development. algorithmic recommendation. Xinwen Yu Chuanbo Yanjiu (News The emergence and development of niche cultural indus- and Communication Research), 29(9), 39-57, 127.
tries are closely related to satisfying personalized needs; [5] Wang, Z. (2018). Resistance and incorporation: The furthermore, a significant characteristic of youth subcul- construction of identity among youth subcultural groups in the tural groups (including niche music groups) is their inte- new media environment---A case study of “The Rap of China” gration of production, dissemination, and consumption, [Master’s thesis, Central China Normal University], 29-36
which greatly differs from the narrow focus on producers [6] Liu, B. (2022). A study on the identity of the “Lie Flat” youth in traditional cultural studies. Therefore, researching the subculture. China Youth Study, (05), 80-88.
consumption patterns of youth subcultural groups can [7] Wang, X. S. (2025). The Cocoon Room Phenomenon in provide insights for the further development of the future Contemporary Online Music Communication. Journal of Art cultural industry, benefit the development of emerging Communication, 2025(1), 108-109, 112
industries, and contribute to an innovative society. Si- [8] Wang, L. F., & Jiang, M. (2025). Research on the influence multaneously, understanding youth subcultural groups, of self - media platforms on the development of contemporary represented by niche music, provides new ideas for how Chinese pop music ------ Taking Douyin as an example. Journal traditional Chinese culture can go global. The introduc- of Xinghai Conservatory of Music, 4, 87-89
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 by the authors.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
